The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Suberu Aniviye, following the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the state.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, also ordered a full investigation into the incident, which occurred around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna in the early hours of Thursday.
The suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations carried out in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026, according to a statement issued by the minister’s media aide, Alao Babatunde.
“It is an unfortunate incident, however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended.
“We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives and we have worked to stay true to this,” the minister declared.
Recall Dockaysworld reported that no fewer than 33 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody in Niger State, although the agency did not confirm a specific figure.
The NSCDC had subsequently set up an investigative panel to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the suspects’ condition on arrest, detention conditions and medical care.
The agency also cautioned against speculation about the cause of the deaths, saying any claims remained subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
